Boston Herald - Boston Heraldhttp://www.bostonherald.com/feed/4
enLenders preying on veterans hurt other homebuyers, toohttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/pAGMMJS3_C0/lenders_preying_on_veterans_hurt_other_homebuyers_too
<p>WASHINGTON — Could predatory lending practices affecting veterans also be inflating interest rates paid by thousands of unsuspecting homebuyers using FHA loans?</p><p>The answer appears to be yes ­— and the underlying abuses in home loans to veterans are prompting action by federal authorities and legislation on Capitol Hill.</p>Real EstateSunday, February 18, 2018Kenneth R. Harney1065821373http://www.bostonherald.com/business/real_estate/2018/02/lenders_preying_on_veterans_hurt_other_homebuyers_tooAftermarket brakes just as good as originalshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/xKcbNi7XEQw/aftermarket_brakes_just_as_good_as_originals
<p><b>Q: I have a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe with 70,200 miles that is in need of brakes. My dealer says they use OEM brakes and rotors and I should pay the extra $300 for their service. My local mechanic says he can do the job for less and will use ceramic brake pads. I don’t know if OEM and ceramic are the same, or if there are better quality parts that I should request?</b></p><p><b>— T.K., Crystal Lake, Ill.</b></p>AutomotiveSunday, February 18, 2018Bob Weber1065821387http://www.bostonherald.com/business/automotive/2018/02/aftermarket_brakes_just_as_good_as_originalsCheeseburgers, chocolate milk off Happy Meal menuhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/DgyJD3L-BqI/cheeseburgers_chocolate_milk_off_happy_meal_menu
<p>NEW YORK — McDonald’s is taking cheeseburgers and chocolate milk off its Happy Meal menu in an effort to cut down on the calories, sodium, saturated fat and sugar that kids consume at its restaurants.</p><p>Diners can still ask specifically for cheeseburgers or chocolate milk with the kid’s meal, but the fast-food company said that not listing them will reduce how often they’re ordered. Since it removed soda from the Happy Meal menu four years ago, orders for it with Happy Meals have fallen 14 percent, the company said.</p>Business & MarketsSunday, February 18, 2018herald.staff1065821418http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/02/cheeseburgers_chocolate_milk_off_happy_meal_menuOlympians find gold on social media http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/jZQZnXrgcoE/olympians_find_gold_on_social_media
<p>NEW YORK — A gold medal used to be the golden ticket for lucrative endorsements — think Mary Lou Retton on a Wheaties box. But in the age of social media, athletes are making a name for themselves well ahead of time.</p><p>Even more so than in Rio in 2016 and Sochi in 2014, Pyeong­chang athletes are Olympian at building brands.</p><p>Before breakout star Chloe Kim won gold in the snowboarding halfpipe event, her infectious personality and heartwarming origin story had already won her sponsorships from Toyota, Samsung, Visa and others.</p>Business & MarketsSunday, February 18, 2018herald.staff1065821425http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/02/olympians_find_gold_on_social_mediaRussian scheme underscores tech weaknesshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/XqXvBoExMII/russian_scheme_underscores_tech_weakness
<p>Friday’s election-interference indictment brought by Robert Mueller, the U.S. special counsel, underscores how thoroughly social media companies such as Facebook and Twitter were played by Russian propagandists.</p><p>And it’s not clear if the companies have taken sufficient action to prevent something similar from happening again.</p>Business & MarketsSunday, February 18, 2018herald.staff1065821438http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/02/russian_scheme_underscores_tech_weaknessHow PayPal became the latest tech company to get dragged into the Russia probehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/Kx1MqwAEQ2g/how_paypal_became_the_latest_tech_company_to_get_dragged_into_the
<p>In an indictment brought Friday by the <a href="http://time.com/5163141/robert-muellers-russia-indictments-election-interference/?xid=homepage">office of special counsel Robert Mueller</a>, PayPal has become the latest tech company pulled into the investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.</p><p>The indictment charges thirteen Russians and three Russian companies with a plot to interfere in the election using social media propaganda aimed at helping Republican nominee Donald Trump and hurt the Democratic Hillary Clinton.</p>Business & MarketsSaturday, February 17, 2018Mahita Gajanan1065820430http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/02/how_paypal_became_the_latest_tech_company_to_get_dragged_into_theThe tickerhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/Ms69lmMQ7vo/the_ticker_12
<p><strong>Stocks on 6-day winning streak</strong></p><p>Stocks closed out their strongest week in five years yesterday and have now recovered more than half of the losses they suffered in a plunge at the beginning of the month.</p><p>The gain yesterday was the sixth in a row for the Standard &amp; Poor’s 500 index. A combination of cheaper prices for stocks as well as solid company profits put investors back in a buying mood. The S&amp;P 500 has risen almost 6 percent in its current streak.</p>Business & MarketsSaturday, February 17, 2018herald.staff1065820541http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/02/the_ticker_12Coca-Cola takes Q4 hit after $3.6B tax chargehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/tcMGuxmFIZE/coca_cola_takes_q4_hit_after_36b_tax_charge
<p>ATLANTA — Coca-Cola swung to a fourth-quarter loss after being hit with a $3.6 billion tax charge tied to a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s tax laws.</p><p>Revenue also plunged as the world’s largest drink maker sells off its bottling operations.</p><p>Industry analysts have anticipated both as the company reshapes operations, and shares edged higher in morning trading yesterday.</p>Business & MarketsSaturday, February 17, 2018Herald Wire Services1065820536http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/02/coca_cola_takes_q4_hit_after_36b_tax_chargeNew homebuilding climbs 9.7%http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/em8-rO-kTRk/new_homebuilding_climbs_97
<p>WASHINGTON — Groundbreakings on new homes jumped 9.7 percent last month to the highest level since October 2016, welcome news for a housing market struggling with a shortage of homes for sale.</p><p>The Commerce Department said yesterday that housing starts came in at an annual pace of 1.33 million in January, up from 1.21 million in December and 1.24 million in January 2017. Construction of single-family homes rose 3.7 percent. Construction of apartments and condominiums shot up 19.7 percent, the most since December 2016.</p>Business & MarketsSaturday, February 17, 2018Herald Wire Services1065820539http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/02/new_homebuilding_climbs_97Steve Wynn won’t get severance, but will keep stake in companyhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/PcN7Kr9iu-M/steve_wynn_won_t_get_severance_but_will_keep_stake_in_company
<p>Toppled casino mogul Steve Wynn won’t receive any severance after he resigned from his hotel company amid sexual harassment allegations, but has no plans to sell his personal stake in the company — a decision that could leave him and the company open to scrutiny from Bay State gaming regulators.</p><p>“Mr. Wynn is not entitled to any severance payment or other compensation from the Company under the employment agreement,” Wynn resorts said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday.</p>Business & MarketsSaturday, February 17, 2018Jordan Graham1065820542http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/02/steve_wynn_won_t_get_severance_but_will_keep_stake_in_companyBevy of 2018 releases fit what drivers wanthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/s72ZQMjBrTY/bevy_of_2018_releases_fit_what_drivers_want
<p>Whether you’re looking for a stylish ride that will turn heads as you cruise through the city, a power-packed off-roader capable of hauling whatever you can throw behind it or a fuel-sipping compact that will save you money at the pump — automakers unveiling this year’s all-new models have you covered.</p>AutomotiveSaturday, February 17, 2018Owen Boss1065820442http://www.bostonherald.com/business/automotive/2018/02/bevy_of_2018_releases_fit_what_drivers_wantThis Brookline condo is great for empty nestershttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/ocBxmho5lS8/this_brookline_condo_is_great_for_empty_nesters
<p>This luxury condo at The Residences at Amory Parks in Brookline is the perfect landing place for area empty nesters who are looking to move closer to the city but might be priced out of living in Boston, the agent handling the sale says.</p>Real EstateSaturday, February 17, 2018Owen Boss1065820538http://www.bostonherald.com/business/real_estate/2018/02/this_brookline_condo_is_great_for_empty_nestersBMW dials up performancehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/EpCJVdX1gzU/bmw_dials_up_performance
<p>The 2018 BMW M550i has everything someone could want in a mid-sized luxury car — classic styling, a five-star interior worthy of royalty and a 456-horsepower engine capable of rocketing the sedan to 60 mph in under four seconds.</p>AutomotiveSaturday, February 17, 2018Christopher Evans1065820445http://www.bostonherald.com/business/automotive/2018/02/bmw_dials_up_performanceBankruptcy court OKs Herald sale to Digital Firsthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/Rdz6k-EEp_Y/bankruptcy_court_oks_herald_sale_to_digital_first
<p>A Delaware bankruptcy judge has approved the sale of the Boston Herald to Digital First Media for $11.9 million, following an auction for the newspaper earlier this week.</p><p>The sale, which required court approval, was authorized yesterday, according to court records.</p><p>Digital First emerged as the successful bidder for the Herald during the auction Tuesday, placing the winning bid over rivals GateHouse Media and Revolution Capital.</p>Business & MarketsSaturday, February 17, 2018Jordan Graham1065820537http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/02/bankruptcy_court_oks_herald_sale_to_digital_firstFacebook forges ahead with kids app despite expert criticismhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/4ry_887JTqA/facebook_forges_ahead_with_kids_app_despite_expert_criticism
<p>NEW YORK — Facebook is forging ahead with its messaging app for kids, despite child experts who have pressed the company to shut it down and others who question Facebook's financial support of some advisers who approved of the app.</p>TechnologyFriday, February 16, 2018Associated Press1065819845http://www.bostonherald.com/business/technology/2018/02/facebook_forges_ahead_with_kids_app_despite_expert_criticismBankruptcy judge approves sale of Boston Herald to Digital First Mediahttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/8kLAlDvxLYo/bankruptcy_judge_approves_sale_of_boston_herald_to_digital_first
<p>A Delaware bankruptcy judge has approved the sale of the Boston Herald to Digital First Media for $11.9 million, following an auction for the newspaper earlier this week.</p><p>The sale, which required court approval, was authorized today, according to a court docket entry.</p><p>Digital First emerged as the successful bidder for the Herald during the auction Tuesday, placing the winning bid over rivals GateHouse Media and Revolution Capital. </p>Business & MarketsFriday, February 16, 2018Jordan Graham1065819934http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/02/bankruptcy_judge_approves_sale_of_boston_herald_to_digital_firstToyota design chief says the future of cars is custom speedsters and rolling boxeshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/YzSu782B8do/toyota_design_chief_says_the_future_of_cars_is_custom_speedsters
<p>The man with the final word on design at one of the world’s biggest automakers sees a future dominated by self-driving boxes-on-wheels and souped-up sports cars.</p>Business & MarketsFriday, February 16, 2018Bloomberg1065819647http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/02/toyota_design_chief_says_the_future_of_cars_is_custom_speedstersUS home construction jumps 9.7 percent in Januaryhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/egHggtcPcvc/us_home_construction_jumps_97_percent_in_january
<p>WASHINGTON — Groundbreakings on new homes jumped 9.7 percent last month to the highest level since October 2016, welcome news for a housing market struggling with a shortage of homes for sale.</p><p>The Commerce Department said Friday that housing starts came in at an annual pace of 1.33 million in January, up from 1.21 million in December and 1.24 million in January 2017. Construction of single-family homes rose 3.7 percent. Construction of apartments and condominiums shot up 19.7 percent, the most since December 2016.</p>Real EstateFriday, February 16, 2018Associated Press1065819622http://www.bostonherald.com/business/real_estate/2018/02/us_home_construction_jumps_97_percent_in_januaryAfter rocky year, CEO Evan Spiegel is still happy Snap went publichttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/_NdcfVGtKtw/after_rocky_year_ceo_evan_spiegel_is_still_happy_snap_went_public
<p>Snap CEO Evan Spiegel says he doesn’t mind having to report quarterly financial results to pesky investors, whose disappointment could send the company’s stock plummeting.</p><p>“We love it,” the young executive enthused Thursday during a <a href="http://fortune.com/fortune500/goldman-sachs-group/" target="_blank">Goldman Sachs</a> technology <a href="http://fortune.com/2018/02/13/ripple-bitcoin-banks-brad-garlinghouse/">conference</a> in San Francisco on Thursday.</p>Business & MarketsFriday, February 16, 2018Jonathan Vanian1065819042http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/02/after_rocky_year_ceo_evan_spiegel_is_still_happy_snap_went_publicMaura Healey: Invest Volkswagen settlement money in electric car goalshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bostonherald/business/~3/Sw0_QrmRyXg/maura_healey_invest_volkswagen_settlement_money_in_electric_car
<p>Attorney General Maura Healey urged state environmental officials to inject millions of dollars from a settlement over Volkswagen’s diesel fraud scandal into richer electric vehicle incentives and new charging infrastructure in the hopes of getting the Bay State ready for a coming transportation revolution.</p><p>“I want to see us as a state get in on the ground floor,” Healey said at a public hearing yesterday on how to spend $75 million from the 2016 settlement.</p>Business & MarketsFriday, February 16, 2018Brian Dowling1065819091http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2018/02/maura_healey_invest_volkswagen_settlement_money_in_electric_car